Coaching staff turnover was abundant this offseason, but most of that change occurred at the assistant level: while there were 33 instances of alteration among offensive and defensive coordinators, only seven new head coaches will be leading teams in 2018, a number that fits in nicely with yearly averages. Naturally, these seven new HCs are taking over clubs that are in something of a rebuild phase, as the Titans are the only team that made the postseason in 2017 before opting to make a coaching change at the top.
With that in mind, we’d like to ask PFR readers which new head coach will experience the most success during the upcoming campaign? While we aren’t solely asking about record (the Bears could stage a turnaround in 2018 and still not make the playoffs given their starting point and the strength of the NFC North, for one example), we’re looking mostly at wins and losses.
Here’s a refresher on the NFL’s new head coaches:
- Arizona Cardinals: Hired Steve Wilks to replace Bruce Arians
- Chicago Bears: Hired Matt Nagy to replace John Fox
- Detroit Lions: Hired Matt Patricia to replace Jim Caldwell
- Indianapolis Colts: Hired Frank Reich to replace Chuck Pagano
- New York Giants: Hired Pat Shurmur to replace Ben McAdoo / Steve Spagnuolo (interim)
- Oakland Raiders: Hired Jon Gruden to replace Jack Del Rio
- Tennessee Titans: Hired Mike Vrabel to replace Mike Mularkey
In the NFC, Wilks will be not only tasked with re-forming a defense that’s moving from a 3-4 to a 4-3 scheme, but deciding if and when to insert rookie quarterback Josh Rosen over free agent acquisition Sam Bradford. Nagy, meanwhile, has the benefit of leaning on veteran defensive coordinator Vic Fangio on one side of the ball, but he’s installing an all-new offensive system with weapons such as Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, Anthony Miller, and Trey Burton. Patricia takes over a relatively stable roster in Detroit, but he’s looking up at the Packers and Vikings in the NFC North, while Shurmur will be asked to wring at least one more productive season out of 37-year-old signal-caller Eli Manning.
Moving to the AFC, Reich is the new lead man in Indianapolis after Josh McDaniels spurned the Colts; with a barren 53-man roster, Reich will need Andrew Luck at something close to full health. Gruden landed a $100MM contract to return to the NFL and Oakland, but after an offseason which saw the Raiders’ roster get older, it’s anyone’s guess if the Black and Silver can compete with Kansas City and Los Angeles in the AFC West. Vrabel takes over an already-contending Titans club after just one season as a defensive coordinator, but his addition of coordinators Matt LaFleur (offense) and Dean Pees (defense) drew considerable praise.
So, who do you like? Which of these coaches will post the most successful season in 2018?
Tennessee
Gravel
Vrabel
Lavar ball
Nagy will lead the Bears back to the playoffs in the next two seasons
Nagy will become the most successful
Agreed. Bears have talent and John Fox isn’t a great coach. Bears could have a nice season should thing go well.
Nagy sucked as an OC in KC why would you think he would do any better with Trubs? KC has better weapons and the Bears are worst team in their division.
KC had one of the top offensive units in all of football. Don’t let your ‘hater’ get the better of your brain.
They flame out the second half of seasons and can’t win a playoff game. I guess your right that’s a perfect fit in Chicago.
Their defense also folded too when their guys started getting hurt towards the end of the season.
Lol
All the teams listed are Last place teams except the Titans. I would say Vrable is going into a decent situation. Andy Reid students seem to do well but do the Bears have enough tools to be .500? Gruden is going into a decent offense but that team hasnt really fixed all the holes in that defense and thats a team with some drama queens still. Matt Patricias name precedes him but how is his offensive play calling? Gonna be fun to watch.
Lions finished 9-7, not in last place.
drama queens? who are you referring to? also, do you watch football, or pay attention to it all? just curious.
Lol. Marshawn lynch martavis bryant. No. I have never watched 1 game. Its nice to see i have fans though.
I have not missed. chiefs game since 97 and i have not missed a Raider game since 2006. I live in Raider land so im immersed in there team doings.
That’s 2 people moron. Every team has a couple Knuckleheads on there team but other than that your point is invalid
Tough guy on mommys phone? If you dont like my comment, dont read and comment on it. Thats the biggest issue with this App. You all get all e- tough over a football conversation.
Frank Reich for sure
With or Without Luck?
Both
Whoever replaces Hue Jackson when he’s fired.
Nagy. Bear Down
Shurmur
A Marvin Lewis replacement should’ve been on this list.
Jon Gruden hands down
Gruden is the only coach on the list that gets to play the Browns so I guess he will be good for at least one win.